Amusing the Zillion

Art of the Day: Inversion by Joseph Zito

September 10, 2013 by Tricia

Inversion, 2012 by Joseph Zito. Studio view © Joseph Zito via http://www.josephzito.com

In the catalogue for Joseph Zito’s current exhibition at Lennon Weinberg, a mechanized sculpture resembling the ghost of a kiddie airplane ride appears with a quote from Kierkegaard: “Life can only be understood backwards but must be lived forwards.” In the gallery, Inversion, turns oh so slowly, in reverse, to the musical accompaniment of Henryk Górecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs, played backwards. Constructed of hydrostone, steel, aluminum, and a motor, this otherworldly and evocative piece is thirteen feet in diameter. On the wall, Untitled (Clock), which looks like a model for a kiddie boat ride, also operates counter-clockwise.

Joseph Zito was born in 1957 in Brooklyn where he lives and works. The exhibit, which opened in June, closes this Saturday.

Joseph Zito: “Tempus Fugit, New Sculptures and Works on Paper,” through September 14, 2013 at Lennon, Weinberg, Inc., 114 West 25th St, New York, NY. Phone 212-941-0012.

Photo Album: Post-Sandy Beach Replenishment Project in Coney Island

September 9, 2013 by Tricia

Post-Sandy Beach Replenishment Project, Coney Island. September 8, 2013. Photo © Tricia Vita

Over the weekend, work began on the $7.2 million project to pump 600,000 cubic yards of sand along Coney Island’s shore. ATZ snapped these photos on Sunday afternoon. Although the beach closed for the summer after Labor Day and red flags indicated no lifeguards were on duty, there were a few sunbathers and swimmers adjacent to the area where the work is getting underway. Check out our set on flickr.

Pipe for Post-Sandy Beach Replenishment Project, Coney Island. September 8, 2013. Photo © Tricia Vita

The annual Coney Island Kite Flying Festival, which was set for September 13-15 on the beach between West 10th and Stillwell, was cancelled by the Parks Department. While restoration work is going on, there will likely be rolling closures of roughly 1000 foot wide sections of the beach where construction work is active, according to a release from the Army Corps of Engineers. The beach nourishment project extends from West 37th Street to Brighton Beach, and is expected to be completed in the fall.

Post-Sandy Beach Replenishment Project, Coney Island. September 8, 2013. Photo © Tricia Vita

“Coney Island was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy and soon, its beaches will be well on their way to being protected against future flooding,” said Senator Charles Schumer last week. “This emergency project is critical to Coney Island beachgoers and homeowners and that’s why I fought hard to make sure this replenishment project had funding necessary from the Sandy Relief Bill. It is gratifying to see this work about to begin.”

On the 5th Anniversary of the Closing of Astroland

September 9, 2013 by Tricia

This weekend was the 5th anniversary of the closing of Coney Island’s Astroland. Founded in 1962, the park’s last day of operation was Sunday, September 7, 2008. Instead of showing photos of the park’s last day and night, we’ve gathered some videos of Astroland’s most popular rides in action.

“If you want to get off this ride at any time, raise your hand, we’ll set you free, y’all better hold on. Here we go, here we go, here here we go oh…,” says the operator of the Huss Breakdance at the beginning of the on-ride video made by TheDod3.com.

According to the website, which features ride reviews, photos and videos by a very knowledgeable ride enthusiast: “Most amusement parks in the US will run their Breakdance rides at a moderate speed, turning it into a ride good for everyone. Other Breakdance rides, such as damn near every single one in Europe and Astroland’s old Breakdance, are thrill rides through and through.”

Astroland’s Breakdance and Pirate Ship went to Costa Rica. The Topspin relocated to Seaside Heights, New Jersey, where it survived Sandy and has since been sold to Deggeller Attractions, a traveling carnival.

One of the Astroland Stars from the Surf Avenue gate is in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The 8-foot by 7-and-a-half-foot lighted star will be in an exhibit next year.

Since the Astrotower was demolished over the July 4th weekend, its stump is all that remains of Astroland on City-owned property in Coney Island. There are rumors that the iconic Astroland Rocket will finally return to Coney Island as promised by City officials in 2009.